Pickelman Shoots Down McMurry

Dec. 4, 2006

ABILENE, Texas - Hardin-Simmons's two seniors Matt Brackett and Zach Pickelman scored 12 points in the final 1:36 and Pickelman capped it with a 3-pointer with 00.9 remaining as HSU's men's basketball team defeated crosstown rival McMurry 64-63 at the Mabee Complex on Monday night.

HSU trailed 61-52 after an Alvin Stephens lay-up with 1:51 to play. Pickelman then hit a jumper to cut it to 61-54 with 1:36 to play. HSU still trailed 61-54 with :48 to play after Alvin Stevens missed a pair of free throws. Pickelman came down and hit a 3-pointer in the right corner.

Terrence Booker then split free throws on consecutive trips and Matt Brackett converted with lay-ups both time cutting the deficit to 63-61 with :16 to play. Booker then turned the ball over on the press and HSU had one last shot.

The Cowboys had the ball knocked away and off the inbounds Brackett found Pickelman in the left corner, in front of the spot where his dad and uncle have sat every home game for four years, he pump faked and drained the game-winner.

The Cowboys trailed by as many as 16 points in the first half, but battled its way back. It is the third time this season the Cowboys have had a shot at the buzzer to win a game and this was the first one that stayed down.

Mardochee Jean had 18 points and 17 rebounds to go with five blocks and Mike Dinkins and Pickelman each had 16 points. HSU limited the Indians to 5-for-20 shooting in the second half.

Stevens was the only player in double figures for McMurry with 18 points.

HSU is now 3-3 on the year and 3-2 in ASC West play. McMurry fell to 3-3 on the year and 2-2 in league play.